Celebrating a Milestone for My Living The Next Chapter Podcast - 20,000 Downloads and Some Lessons Learned

Well, well, well - slow and steady wins the race! I just wanted to share with you a milestone reached in one of my other podcasts (yes, I have many!)

Living The Next Chapter is my author podcast - in just over 3 years and 580+ episodes this little podcast is just humming along - great authors share their stories - the people that I have met because of this show are amazing!

My podcast just crossed the 20,000 download mark and also 2000 watch hours (for an audio only podcast on YouTube btw)

I love this show, well I love all 9 of my different podcasts, so I reflect on this show, how it is different and how it goes against many of the podcast guru's "rules in podcasting" and this show just works!

If you love to read and you know someone that does, please send them over to Living The Next Chapter!

https://livingthenextchapter.com/

Episode 435 - What is and What Isn't A Podcast and Why Does This Even Matter and to Whom

What Is—and Isn’t—a Podcast? Why Definitions Matter

The Evolving Definition of Podcasting

Traditionally, a podcast was defined as an episodic series of audio files distributed via RSS feeds, allowing listeners to subscribe and receive new episodes automatically

For many, “podcast” now simply means any on-demand, creator-driven series—regardless of format or platform

Who’s Driving the Change?

Advertisers, marketers, and major platforms are playing a significant role in this redefinition. As podcasting has become big business, these stakeholders seek clear, measurable definitions to better target audiences and track analyticsWhy Does This Matter—and to Whom?

For Creators

• Audience Targeting & Monetization: Understanding where and how listeners consume content is crucial for creators.

• Content Strategy: The evolving definition means creators can experiment with formats, but must balance authenticity and audience expectations

• Community Building: Social media integration is now essential for distribution, discovery, and building loyal communities around podcasts

For Listeners

• Discovery & Consumption: Listeners benefit from more choices and formats, but may be confused about what “podcast” means—especially as video and social media become dominant

• Community Engagement: Social media and live podcasting allow for direct interaction, making podcasts more participatory and community-driven

For the Industry

• Measurement & Analytics: The move away from open RSS feeds to platform-specific distribution can complicate stats and analytics, making it harder to get a unified picture of listenership

Open vs. Closed Ecosystems: The rise of “walled gardens” (platform-exclusive content) threatens the open nature of podcasting, which was built on the freedom of RSS and broad distributionDoes This Hurt the Podcast Industry?

Potential Downsides

• Dilution of the Medium: As everything gets labeled a “podcast,” the term loses specificity.

• Platform Enclosure: The shift toward closed platforms (YouTube, Spotify exclusives) risks undermining the open RSS ecosystem, potentially limiting creator freedom and audience access

• Fragmented Analytics: With content spread across multiple platforms, tracking true audience size and engagement becomes more challenging

Potential Upsides

• Broader Reach & Accessibility: Video and social media integration have brought new audiences into podcasting, especially younger demographics like Gen Z

• Innovation & Growth: New formats, interactive features, and cross-media extensions (like live podcasts, TV adaptations, and merch) are expanding what podcasts can be

• Creator Empowerment: More tools, monetization options, and ways to connect with audiences can empower creators—if they can navigate the complexity

Are More New Creators Coming to Podcasting, or Is Video a Gatekeeper?

• New Creators Are Arriving: The podcast audience continues to grow, with more creators entering the space thanks to easier tools, social media, and the appeal of video

• Video as Both Opportunity and Barrier: While video podcasts attract new demographics and offer creative possibilities, they also raise the production bar.

• Niche Audio Communities Still Thrive: Despite the video surge, niche audio-only podcasts remain popular, especially for those seeking connection and community around specific topics

The Future Is Flexible

The definition of “podcast” is no longer fixed. It’s shaped by creators, audiences, and platforms alike. While the expansion into video and social media brings both opportunities and challenges, the heart of podcasting—independent, on-demand storytelling—remains strong. For creators, the key is to stay adaptable, focus on quality, and build genuine connections with their audience—regardless of format or platform___

https://howtopodcast.ca/

Episode 433 - The Power of Consistency Over Perfection - What Happens When Podcasters Commit Long-Term

"Write a short story every week. It's not possible to write 52 bad short stories in a row."
— Ray Bradbury

Podcasting Version:
"Record an episode every week. It’s nearly impossible to make 52 bad episodes in a row."Don’t get hung up on making every episode perfect. Instead, focus on showing up and recording each week. With every episode, you’ll get better—your confidence will grow, your skills will sharpen, and your voice will become clearer. If you commit to 52 episodes, odds are you’ll surprise yourself with how much you improve and how many great moments you create along the way. The magic is in the commitment, not the pursuit of perfection.Consistency beats perfection. Keep creating, keep recording, and trust the process—your best episodes are ahead of you!When a podcaster commits to a long-term focus on content creation—such as recording and releasing episodes regularly over a year—the benefits are significant and multifaceted, both for the creator and their audience.What Happens When Podcasters Commit Long-Term

• Skill Growth and Confidence: Regular recording sharpens your abilities as a host, interviewer, and storyteller. Each episode is a chance to practice, experiment, and improve, making it unlikely that all your episodes will be subpar. Over time, you’ll find your unique voice and style, and your confidence behind the mic will grow

• Audience Trust and Retention: Consistency builds trust. When listeners know they can count on new episodes at a set time, they’re more likely to become regular followers and incorporate your show into their routines. This reliability fosters loyalty and keeps your podcast top-of-mind

• Community Building: A consistent podcast creates opportunities for deeper engagement. Listeners become invested in your journey, share feedback, and help spread the word. This sense of partnership and community is a powerful driver of growth and connection

• Increased Visibility and Discoverability: Podcast platforms and algorithms often reward consistent creators by recommending their shows more frequently. This can lead to greater organic reach and the opportunity to attract new listeners

• Content Library and Binge-ability: Over time, a regular release schedule builds a substantial back-catalogue. New listeners can binge episodes, deepening their connection and increasing the likelihood of becoming long-term fans

• Authority and Credibility: By consistently delivering valuable insights, you establish yourself as a trusted voice in your niche. This authority can open doors for collaborations, sponsorships, and other opportunities

• Monetization Potential: As your audience grows, so do opportunities for sponsorships, ads, and merchandise. Brands are drawn to podcasters with engaged, loyal followings, and regular content is key to building that audience

• Personal Fulfillment: There’s intrinsic value in seeing a creative commitment through. The journey from episode one to episode fifty-two is filled with learning, growth, and a sense of accomplishment.

The Power of Consistency Over Perfection

Rather than aiming for 52 perfect episodes, focus on the commitment to keep going. Each episode is a step forward; some will be better than others, but every one is a building block for your skills, your show, and your community. As Ray Bradbury suggested for writers, it’s nearly impossible to create 52 bad episodes in a row—growth is inevitable if you keep showing up.

Commitment to regular podcasting leads to skill development, audience trust, community growth, increased visibility, and long-term authority. The real reward isn’t perfection, but the progress and connections made along the way____https://howtopodcast.ca/

Episode 432 - 4 Must-Have and 4 Might Harm Considerations for a Great Podcast Name

Naming your podcast is one of the most important early decisions you’ll make as a creator. A great name can help your show stand out, attract your ideal audience, and make it easy for listeners to find you. Here’s a practical framework to guide you, along with common pitfalls to avoid.4 Must-Have Framework Ideas for a Great Podcast Name

1. Search-Friendly and Discoverable

   • Use keywords your target audience would actually type into podcast apps or Google.

   • Avoid obscure references or inside jokes unless your audience is already in on them.

2. Simple, Clear, and Easy to Spell

   • Choose a name that’s easy to pronounce, spell, and remember.

   • Avoid puns or wordplay that could be confusing when heard aloud.

3. Targeted and Relevant

   • Make sure your name gives a clear idea of your show’s topic, tone, or target audience.

   • Let the title help listeners “opt in” or “opt out” at a glance.

4. Unique but Not Overcomplicated

   • Stand out from the crowd, but don’t sacrifice clarity for cleverness.

   • Check for existing podcasts or brands with similar names to avoid legal or SEO issues.

4 Things That Might Harm Your Podcast Name

1. Odd Spellings or Letter/Number Combos

   • Avoid names like “Cre8tive Minds” or “Blubrry Chat”—they’re hard to spell and search for.

   • Listeners might not find you if they can’t guess the spelling.

2. Too Generic or Vague

   • Names like “The Podcast Show” or “Talk Time” don’t stand out and won’t help with searchability.

   • You want listeners to know what your show is about immediately.

3. Overly Long or Complicated Titles

   • Long names are hard to remember, hard to say, and may get cut off in podcast apps.

   • Keep it concise and punchy.

4. Using Trademarked or Popular Brand Names

   • Avoid names that could cause legal trouble or confusion with existing brands.

   • Always do a search to make sure your name is available.

Pro Tip: Test Your Podcast Name with Voice Search

Speak your podcast name into your phone’s voice assistant or a smart speaker.
If the search results are frustrating or inaccurate, your listeners will have the same problem. This is a quick way to test if your name is easy to find and pronounce.

Quick Recap

• Do: Make it simple, clear, targeted, and search-friendly.

• Don’t: Use odd spellings, generic terms, long titles, or trademarked names.

A great podcast name is your first handshake with your audience—make it count!

___

https://howtopodcast.ca/

Episode 431 - Cutting Through the Marketing Clichés - Speaking Your Listener’s Language

The temptation to use trendy marketing jargon, complicated vocabulary, or AI-generated scripts can create a real disconnect between the host and the audience. Let’s break down why this happens, why it matters, and how to keep your podcast authentic and relatable.Why Podcasters Fall into the Marketing Speak Trap

• Pressure to Sound Professional: Many creators believe that using big words or industry lingo makes them sound more credible or authoritative.

• AI-Generated Content: Tools like AI assistants can be helpful, but if you simply read what’s generated without editing for your own voice, it can sound stiff or unnatural.

• Trend Chasing: There’s a desire to keep up with what’s “hot” in the podcasting world, leading to overuse of buzzwords and cliches.

The Risks of Overusing Jargon and Cliches

• Loss of Authenticity: Listeners can tell when you’re not speaking in your natural voice. Forced language feels inauthentic and can erode trust.

• Audience Disconnection: Not everyone in your audience knows what “tangential” or “parasocial” means. Using these words without explanation can make people feel excluded.

• Missed Connection: The real magic of podcasting is in building relationships and community. Talking over your audience’s heads puts up a wall instead of building a bridge.

How to Stay Authentic and Connect with Your Audience

Know Your Audience

Speak the way your listeners speak. If your show is for new podcasters, use simple, clear language. If you’re talking to industry experts, it’s okay to use more technical terms—but always define them.

AI tools are great for brainstorming, but always rewrite or edit the output in your own voice. Make sure the words you use are words you’d actually say in conversation.

Phrases like “think outside the box” or “move the needle” are tired and often meaningless. Replace them with specific, concrete language that paints a picture for your listeners.

The most successful podcasters sound like themselves. Don’t be afraid to show your personality, quirks, and even your mistakes. That’s what makes you relatable.

Ask your audience how you’re doing. Are you coming across as genuine? Are there words or phrases that confuse them? Use their feedback to improve.There are no awards for using the fanciest vocabulary or the most buzzwords. The real reward is building a loyal, engaged audience that feels seen and heard. Drop the marketing speak, ditch the cliches, and speak from the heart. Your listeners will thank you—and your podcast will be better for it.Remember: Connection beats perfection every time. Speak to be understood, not to impress. That’s how you build real community, one episode at a time.____

https://howtopodcast.ca/

Episode 430 - CO-HOST - Aisosa Wisdom Okonkwo - Host of Wisdom Journey - Building in Public and PodMatch

Wisdom Journey Podcast Follow my unfiltered, real-time journey as I navigate the world of online income. No fake success stories or get-rich-quick schemes – just honest documentation of wins, losses, and everything in between. Each episode captures my weekly experiments with different online business models: freelancing, digital products, affiliate marketing, and more. I share exact numbers, strategies that worked (and failed), and the brutal reality of building income

https://pod.link/1797567459

https://wisdom.beehiiv.com/

https://x.com/AisosaMedia/

Episode 429 - Maximize Your Discoverability - Choosing the Right Podcast Category

Getting your show listed under the correct podcast categories helps with discoverability and ensures it reaches people who are naturally interested in your content. In this guide, you’ll learn what podcast categories are, why they matter, how to pick the right ones, and what the most popular and niche options look like.

Podcast categories are tags used by directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify to organize and list shows. These categories help listeners discover new podcasts by interest area. Categories range from broad ones like News or Comedy to niche ones like Fashion & Beauty or Entrepreneurship.

The Joe Rogan Experience fits under multiple relevant categories:

• Comedy > Comedy Interviews

• Society & Culture

• News > News CommentaryWhy Is It Important to Choose the Right Podcast Category?

  Discoverability

Most listeners discover new shows by browsing categories or charts within those categories. The right fit boosts your chances of visibility.

Correct categorization means your show is shown to users who are already interested in similar content, making them more likely to click and listen.

Categories with lower competition might allow your show to climb the charts faster, helping you gain early traction.

Audience Targeting

Chart PotentialHow to Choose the Right Podcast Category1. Define Your Show’s Core Theme

Think about what your podcast is actually about and the specific subject matter you focus on regularly.

What topics do you cover? Could your show fall under different genres like Health, Education, or Leisure?

Use tools like Chartable or browse Apple/Spotify charts to see where similar shows are listed.

Don’t choose an unrelated, low-competition category just to try to rank. This can backfire and potentially get you removed from directories.

Targeting a niche category can be strategic if it aligns with your content and has less competition.

Use Multiple Lenses

Look at the Competition

Avoid Irrelevant Categories

Balance Popularity and SpecificityCategorizing your podcast correctly is critical for being discovered, reaching the right audience, and climbing the charts. Choose relevant, descriptive categories that align with your content and audience’s expectations. You can update categories as your show evolves—but always weigh the pros and cons.For Podcasters Wanting to Optimize

• Captivate.fm Guide to Podcast Categories:
  https://www.captivate.fm
  ➤ Offers in-depth tips on setting categories in their dashboard and why it matters.

• Podnews Category Trends & Charts:
  https://podnews.net
  ➤ Stay current with industry news, new category launches, and chart changes.

• Edison Research – Podcast Consumer Reports:
  https://www.edisonresearch.com
  ➤ Data on the most popular podcast genres and listener behavior.

For Better Podcast Discovery

• Apple Podcasts Browse Page:
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/genre/podcasts/id26
  ➤ Browse by categories, top charts, and featured shows.

• Spotify Podcast Categories Hub:
  Open the Spotify app > "Search" tab > Scroll to "Podcasts" > Explore by genre
  ➤ Great for seeing what’s trending and tailored by user interest.

  ____

  https://howtopodcast.ca/